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Story of Explorer II and Steve McQueen

Rolex Explorer II can be claimed the best-selling models with Explorer I and Submariner, but Explorer II has short history and is the latest listed in these three models. Exporer II first born in 1971, the model is 1655. At that time, Explorer II the newtype was facelift derived from GMT Master Ref.1655. The difference between Explorer II Ref.1655 and GMT Master is the 24 hours printed rotating bezel change into fixed engraving bezel, still use the same movement Calibre 1575 as GMT Master.

Rolex Claims that Explorer II is design for adventure explorers(Speleologist, Cave Explorer) who deep in the dark cave and can not see light, they will soon lose the sence of dorection and can not tell the correct time in the morning or in the afternoon. In addition to explorer in the cave, invitably run into the surrounding rock, 24-hour rotating bezel seems relatively less reliable, so switch to fixed bezel is based on considerations the theory of security. Apart from the whether the cave explorers will lose sense of time or not, Explorer II Ref.1655 launched at the early years, didn't attract sales boom, instead popular in pilots and air traffic control personnel those professionals who should be noted the time zone change.

Explorer II Ref.1655 and GMT Master I besides the obviously different of bezel, is the shape of hands, they use unique orange or red 24 hours diasplay hands instead of GMT Master's Benz hour hand and sword-shape seconds hand which is the same with legendary Milgauss Ref.1019 lightning bolt seconds hand, unique and different with other Rolex watches. Only the first 3 years Explorer II Ref.1655 was equipped with orange hand, later changed to red hand, so in general, orange hand Explorer II 1655 rare and prices are higher than the red hand model.

Another debate have always discussed by watch fans, is so-called lengend of Explorer II Steve McQueen. Some people think(or has become a common konwn pratice) the late American character action satr Steve McQueen is the fans of Explorer II 1655, he worn it in the films. Because Steve McQueen was loved by the audiences in Europe and America, as a saying love me love my dog, so the Explorer II 1655 was nicknamed to Explorer II Steve McQueen.

However, this idea was questioned, because Explorer II Ref.1655 was produced in the early 1970s, and was discontinued in 1985, but Steve McQueen died of lung cancer in 1980, he only took a few movies in the early of 1970s. The Hunter released in 1980 is the only film you can see clearly that he worn Rolex. From a few distant shots of the watch he worn in this film, the features of bezel, dial and strap, it's more like Submariner than Explorer II. However, Steve McQueen passed away too early, after all, unlike Paul Newman also had time to his own experiences, appeared wearing a Daytona Paul Newman for his charitable foundation to raise funds. But, just the same reason as no one mind Cowherd and Weaver Girl are two stars, legend has its misunderstanding added to the narrative, with the impression and concept of character super star in people's minds, its authenticity seemed irrelevant. The story of Explorer II 1655 and Steve McQueen will continue to spread, it'd be quite sure.
Almost the same with GMT Master facelift for the GMT-Master II Ref.16700, Rolex launched Explorer II Ref.16570 in 1986, with sapphire crystal glass,  hands and 24 hours display hands changed to be like GMT Master II, the movement changed to Caliber 3185 which can 24 hours display hands, fast before allocating and after allocating, meanwhile do not interfere the operation of hour-minute-seconds hand.

As the Explorer II Ref. 16570 bezel is the same with old model, still fixed unrotating, with black engraving style 24-hour numberals, different with GMT Master II. However, there were very few first facelift of the Explorer II 16570 carved red figures, very rare. Another more rare watch is only produced two year after 1985, has long been discontinued Explorer II Ref. 16550 Cream / Ivory Dial, this Cream / Ivory Dial Explorer II  different from the existing black and whitedial Explorer II'sdial colors, it is said that the advantage is both day and night, can clearly see the time without the interference of different light intensity.
Since Explorer II were born is like a derivative of GMT Master watches, but its popularity today is clearly surpass the master, of course, consider the place of performance or appearance aesthetics may be better than the GMT Master, but is explorer reverie's name, the predecessor of watches Explorer 1655 continued spread of its unique charming, in addition to the dim and legend Steve McQueen, is the reason Explorer II more popular. After all, the imagine feeling of just wear the watch and become explorers or film star, people can not resist it indeed!

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Rolex Show provides Rolex reviews, news and new Rolex watches.

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